Jonina Searl became Indianola's newest homeowner when Warren County Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 17th house April 29.

Searl said she's been living in a two bedroom apartment with her children Keagan, Kaden and Kaia for six years.

She said her children, who were able to plan their own bedrooms in their new home, are excited they have a yard to play in.

"I'm so grateful," Searl said. "I'm so grateful for all of the volunteers that helped us and all my family, friends and coworkers."

Pastor Ben Segebart blessed the home, and reminded everyone how much life happens inside a home.

"When you think over the contents of your life and how much you experience in your home, you've got hurried breakfasts, movie nights, birthday parties, holidays around the table, school homework on the couch, late night conversations, sleeping in on Saturday mornings, washing dishes, doing laundry and getting ready for school or work," Segebart said. "There is so much life that happens inside the walls of a home.

"No matter how busy the day is, isn't it interesting that everyday tends to end back at the house?" he asked.

Segebart said God understands the importance of home and he is preparing a house for everyone.

"This is a foreshadowing of a future we're going to have with God in a really awesome home," Segebart said.

The home on 18th Place in Indianola is now one of several homes in a row built by Habitat for Humanity. It is the 17th home Warren County Habitat for Humanity has dedicated.

Work on the 18th home will start soon, as the groundbreaking for it also happened April 29. That home will be owned by Aaron and Stacy Houghton and their children David, Montana and Isabelle.

Owners of Habitat homes have 30-year mortgages, which go toward paying for building materials. Mortgages don't accrue interest and since volunteers build the houses, labor is free.

Homeowners also have to pay back sweat equity, which equals the number of hours it took to build their own homes.

Warren County Habitat for Humanity is always looking for volunteers. The group needs people to help build, fund raise and organize, and they are always in need of money.

To get involved with Warren County Habitat for Humanity, visit the group’s website at wchfh.org, or look them up on Facebook.